Sam Hammam spells out to Paul Abbandonato why he is fighting hard to boost club and country

Sam Hammam spells out to Paul Abbandonato why he is fighting hard to boost club and country

CARDIFF CITY chief Hammam has outlined compelling reasons why Cardiff City and Wales' other leading clubs should be permitted to join the Welsh Premier League.

Hammam, who wants to bring the Uefa Champions League dream to the Bluebirds, said his bold plans would mean:

Wales being boosted at international level because of better co-efficient points gained by club sides in Europe;

Spin-offs for other Welsh clubs who would pick up academy youngsters who didn't quite make the grade with the Bluebirds;

Vastly improved finances for the Welsh Premier from bigger gates, sponsorship, advertising and TV deals, coupled with greater interest from the public;

An enhanced playing standard which could see £1m Bluebirds aces, and even goal sensation Robert Earnshaw, starring in the League.

Hammam spelt out why he believed it was grossly unfair Cardiff would not gain Champions League or Uefa Cup entry if they finished in the top three of the Barclaycard Premiership or won the FA Cup. And he underlined why Europe, via the Welsh Premier, is pivotal to the vision and dream he has for Cardiff ... and Wales.

Europe, Hammam argues, is every bit as important as the other five issues which form part of that dream.

Those other five things are Cardiff's new stadium, a top-notch training ground, team strengthening, the setting up of a proper academy/youth structure and eradicating hooliganism.

Those five issues Hammam is working his socks off to try to resolve.

His Champions League hopes remain in the hands of the FAW and the Welsh Premier's own 17 clubs, who need to rip up the rule book to allow in Cardiff, Swansea, Wrexham, Merthyr, Newport and Colwyn Bay.

Hammam argues those rules, which centre around no reserve teams being permitted in the league, should be changed for the good of Welsh football in general.

Cardiff are there, he argues, for Wales, Wales and Wales.

Outlining reasons which, to the average Welsh soccer fan appear very hard to resist, Hammam said, "Let's look at the playing side of things. Forget this second-string talk - Cardiff City have a first-team squad.

"So, for example, we can't play Peter Thorne and Alan Lee in our team at one time. Nor Andy Campbell and Earnie. These are players who we paid £1.7m, £1m and £1m again for. And then we have Earnie.

"Only two of those can play in Division One at any time. So if the others were playing for us in the Welsh Premier, look at the difference that would make to the standards of the league.

"I'm not just talking about Cardiff, let me stress. I'm also talking about Swansea, Wrexham and our other teams.

"The whole league would instantly become better. Because of the players involved, people in the media would have greater interest.

"The chances of better TV coverage would improve. And if you had Sky, the BBC or whoever on board, the level of sponsorship would go up dramatically. The chances of clubs getting advertising would be enhanced."

Addressing the advantages for Mark Hughes' team at international level, Hammam went on, "Wales often get tough draws because of the seeding situation.

"Fifa and Uefa rank countries because of their co-efficient points system which is based upon results achieved. But it's not just about how Wales do at international level, it is also about how our club sides perform.

"If Cardiff were doing well in Europe, it is to the advantage of the national team.

"To that end, and for the betterment of the Welsh Premier, let's look at the Academy we are setting up.

"We are spending £1m on this and we are targeting the cream of Welsh youngsters. Some of those players will come through into the Welsh Premier, again improving the standard.

"Those who unfortunately don't quite make it with us, could go on to play in the Welsh Premier for other teams."

Of the unfairness aspect of Cardiff, Swansea and Wrexham being barred from a route into Europe, Hammam said, "Our only route into Europe is through our Welshness.

"If, in a few years' time, we finish above Manchester United and Arsenal and win the Premier League, it will not enable us to go into the Champions League.

"The English FA would not permit that; nor would they let us into the Uefa Cup were we to win the FA Cup.

"It is via the FAW that we need to get into Europe.

"Look, imagine you were starting from scratch. You would play your very best teams in the Welsh competitions.

"But, because of historical reasons, ourselves, Swansea and Wrexham play in the English league.

"No-one can take that away from us. But it is also our right to play in the Welsh system and to have an avenue into the Champions League that way.

"My attitude, I repeat yet again, is a Welsh attitude. What I am doing, I am doing for Wales.

"There are certain issues we are dealing with which show the commitment I have for Cardiff and Wales.

"The stadium, a new training ground, spending money on team strengthening, the youth team, totally eradicating hooliganism. That last one goes with the new stadium. It will sort itself out.

"So, in effect, we are talking about four issues there. The fifth, and this one is pivotal to the whole thing, is Europe.

"We must be in there. It is our right, as a Welsh club, to be in there representing Wales.

"And, if that in turn boosts Welsh football at every level, surely that is good for Wales."